Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Gunnery Instrument
Signed by Baldassarre Lanci
Dated 1557; Italian
Gilt brass; 150 mm in diameter

This gilt brass circle is richly engraved and decorated. Along the circumference, the disk bears a graduated scale divided into eight sectors, the names of the winds, and, on a protruding portion, two other graduated scales. The surface bears the signature of the author, Baldassarre Lanci, and the date, 1557.

A pivot supports the curved arms of the compass at the centre; one arm is fixed, the other rotates and is provided with a graduated plumb rule inscribed 'B.L.' (Baldassarre Lanci).

The instrument was used to carry out topographical measurements of relief and to measure distances and heights, the calibre of cannon and the diameters of projectiles.

Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze
Inventory no. 682

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